Laos – this was my favorite country during this visit. The pace of travel was relaxed, exposure to many 1st time experiences and a friendly, laid-back culture.
· Mekong River cruise from Huay Chi to Luang Prabang** – a serene river cruise where we visited a Hmong hill tribe village, read, played cards and listened to Charlie and Ben’s guitar playing…relaxing.
· Luang Prabang** - morning ritual of Buddhist Monks seeking alms, talking with the monks about their daily lives, eight mile jungle trek to the Koung Si Falls for a welcomed swim in frigid water, visit to the beautiful Wat Xiang Thong to view the wall paintings depicting judgment day, attending the Laos Royal Ballet to view various storied dances and a street bar-b-q that caused my gastrointestinal tract to revolt (mild diarrhea).
· Vientiane – the capital city of Laos – strange Buddha Park with its Hindu/Buddha statues, BeerLao brewery visit, beautiful Wat Si Saket with its beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s life, Lao body massage (mild by Thai standards), Makphet restaurant’s delicious meals.
· Riding the B-52 boats up the Nam Thewin River to our home stay village.
· Home stay at Ban Tahak village – wonderful people who welcomed us with open arms....playing games and singing with the children, watching rice being dehusked, enjoying a fantastic meal, sleep on floor mats under mosquito netting
· Partying – Huay Xai and Pakbang – towns on the Mekong River cruise…met a number of backpackers…shared a bottle of wine with a couple from England, a bottle of whiskey with our Laotian guides
· Mekong River cruise from Huay Chi to Luang Prabang** – a serene river cruise where we visited a Hmong hill tribe village, read, played cards and listened to Charlie and Ben’s guitar playing…relaxing.
· Luang Prabang** - morning ritual of Buddhist Monks seeking alms, talking with the monks about their daily lives, eight mile jungle trek to the Koung Si Falls for a welcomed swim in frigid water, visit to the beautiful Wat Xiang Thong to view the wall paintings depicting judgment day, attending the Laos Royal Ballet to view various storied dances and a street bar-b-q that caused my gastrointestinal tract to revolt (mild diarrhea).
· Vientiane – the capital city of Laos – strange Buddha Park with its Hindu/Buddha statues, BeerLao brewery visit, beautiful Wat Si Saket with its beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s life, Lao body massage (mild by Thai standards), Makphet restaurant’s delicious meals.
· Riding the B-52 boats up the Nam Thewin River to our home stay village.
· Home stay at Ban Tahak village – wonderful people who welcomed us with open arms....playing games and singing with the children, watching rice being dehusked, enjoying a fantastic meal, sleep on floor mats under mosquito netting
· Partying – Huay Xai and Pakbang – towns on the Mekong River cruise…met a number of backpackers…shared a bottle of wine with a couple from England, a bottle of whiskey with our Laotian guides
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